The man behind the camera
It’s all well and good taking shots me taking shots of my Trash Chic preloved clothes on myself, on a mannequin and on the rails but sometimes you need to step up your game.
With some incredible garments on the rails that no one would believe were preloved, I decided it was time for another photoshoot with a professional photographer to showcase the Autumn Collection.
My first port of call was Richard Green of Method Studios Photography to see if he had time in his busy schedule.
I've worked with Richard on many occasions: on behalf of clients in my previous life as a web designer, my own websites as well as personal photographs. I knew that I would be in safe hands with him.
He responded immediately with a very enthusiastic YES!
I explained what I wanted to achieve with the fashion shoot and sent him some shots of the outfits I was starting to put together. Immediately he came up with some exciting and creative suggestions that I knew were going to have a lot of impact.
Once again, I wasn’t using a professional model. But Liz (Barker) had already modelled for me at the Cambridge Pride Rainbow Runway at Grand Arcade, and for the September issue of Velvet Magazine. She LOVES the Trash Chic collection and looks wonderful in any outfit I choose for her. Both she and Richard are very easy-going, so it was a completely stress-free shoot.
When it came to location, we decided to use my house and garden, and a few spots in the village. A good decision, having learned from a previous shoot where we were unable to park close to the locations and ended up having to lug around bags of clothes and accessories. The three of us could just troop back to my house for Liz to get changed.
The results are awesome and really capture the lush, maximalist and quirky feel I wanted. It’s fascinating watching Richard at work and he showed me the shots as we went along but I find it hard to judge when viewing on a small screen. I trust his vision completely.
CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
I’m lucky to be able to call on Richard but here are some things to consider when employing a professional photographer.
Word of mouth recommendation from trusted colleagues or friends is one of the best ways but if that’s not possible check reviews and testimonials.
Review their portfolio to find a style that aligns with your brand. Maybe ask to see similar projects they’ve worked on to gauge the quality of their work and their creative vision. For me, it was important to use someone who understood industry trends and the world of fashion.
Meet up with them and have a chat about what you want to achieve. Do you like the sound of their ideas or are they just ‘not getting’ you and your business?
Identify your precise requirements from the photoshoot i.e. if you are focused on editorial-style shots, lifestyle images or high fashion looks. If you aren’t sure, the photographer should definitely be asking you these questions.
Make sure you like them. Are they team players? Life is too short to spend working with people you don’t warm to or get on with.
Compare their pricing with other photographers in the area.
Richard is an experienced commercial photographer. He is extremely versatile and has experience with headshots, product shots, fashion (he’s worked with Vogue and GQ magazine), art galleries, interiors and animals.
He is calm, always puts people at their ease, is adaptable, has an eye for detail and a unique perspective and vision. One of the most creative people I know.
Find out more and see Richard’s portfolio at https://methodstudios.photography/
You can see a gallery of the Autumn Collection on Instagram.
